The Ridge City Ramblers will play bluegrass and Americana music at the Bursting the Blues Balloon Pop Concert on Saturday. (File photo/submitted)

CONTACT Care Line of East Tennessee will host a Bursting the Blues Balloon Pop Concert on Saturday, February 7, to raise awareness of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

SAD is a subtype of major depression linked to seasonal changes, usually in fall and winter, but more infrequently in the summer, a press release said. SAD may account for one in five cases of depression, and three out of four cases affect women. An estimated 1.3 million people in the United States suffer from seasonal affective disorder, the press release said, citing a 2006 study. Some symptoms are depression, insomnia, weight loss, and anxiety.

“Commonly known as the ‘winter blues,’ SAD presents a serious health concern that, if left untreated, may lead to complications such as social withdrawal, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts and behavior, the release said, citing a 2015 study.

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The event will take place at the Pollard Conference Center at 210 Badger Avenue in Oak Ridge. The Ridge City Ramblers will perform bluegrass and Americana music. There will be opportunities to play for balloon prizes and bid on some unique and irresistible silent and live auction items.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 per person and includes a hearty buffet with two complimentary beverages and a cash bar.

All proceeds from the event will benefit CONTACT’s Reassurance and Crisis Line programs, which give people the emotional support they need and reduce the barriers to getting mental health services, the press release said. These programs are vital for addressing undiagnosed and untreated mental illness—a major risk factor for suicide.

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